The Spirit's Guidance in Planting a New Congregation
The book of Acts is missional in nature because it gives an account of Peter's Ministry to the Jews and continues with Paul's ministry to the Gentiles. Acts 1:8 gives the disciples an assurance of the presence of the Holy Spirit for the missional work they have been called to do. In Acts 2 we see the disciples being empowered by the Holy Spirit to do the work of God in various capacities with some as apostles. Our text today challenges us to seek the Spirit's guidance in order to be led in planting new Churches.The Church in the 21st century has been striving for relevance due to numerous challenges which it has encountered affecting humanity. These challenges includes issues of the abuse of children and women, wars, Covid-19, HIV and AIDS, Poverty, Inequalities, Racism, Tribalism, false prophets and clergy and many more. In some contexts across the globe Churches have been closing down with people raising doubts about the relevance of the Church for its failure to be a prophetic voice on such issues.
Acts 16:6-10 is key in helping us to be relevant as a Church even as we are faced with many challenges in the following ways:
Firstly it is a reminder that we have been called as the Church to depend on the Holy Spirit for guidance on where and when to speak on matters affecting the world today. Paul and his colleagues desired to say something in the region of Phrygia and Galatia but the Holy Spirit had forbidden them from doing so. In today's era people are literally speaking on any matter in the name of the church and God and at times wrong predictions on issues affecting the Church and the world has been given.
Secondly, it is also possible for the Church to be quiet at the time when its prophetic voice is needed the most. While Paul and his colleagues did not speak in Phrygia, Galatia and Bithynia, when the Holy Spirit directed them to go to Macedonia and preach the Gospel, they went without hesitating.
Therefore, even today the Church is challenged to ask God to open up its spiritual eyes so that we can be able to see new opportunities for ministry. What if the increase in crime, the huge gaps between the haves and those who don't have, the abuse of children and women and many more challenges within our communities are a result of the Church's failure to discern what the Holy Spirit is saying on finding new ways and opportunities of doing ministry?
| And they went through the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia. And when they had come up to Mysia, they attempted to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them. So, passing by Mysia, they went down to Troas. And a Vision appeared to Paul in the night: a man of Macedonia was standing there, urging him and saying, "Come over to Macedonia and help us." And when Paul had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go on into Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them. (Acts16:6-10) |
James Lungu: "I am an ordained Minister of Word and Sacrament serving in M'Chinga Presbytery in Zambia. Married to Emelly, and we have three Children: Joel 7yrs, Walinase 4yrs and Ezra 8 months."
